AT the invitation of Thai National Assembly President Uthai Pimchaichon, China’s top legislator Li Peng flew to Bangkok yesterday for a five-day official goodwill visit.

　It is Li’s second visit to the kingdom as the chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC).It is also another high-level visit from China to Thailand following Chinese President Jiang Zemin’s State visit in 1999, Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao’s visit in 2000 and Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji’s visit last year.

　Li’s tour will take him to Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia after Thailand.In a statement released upon his arrival, Li said China and Thailand shared traditional friendship like relatives and their bilateral ties had been developing smoothly since they established diplomatic relations 27 years ago.He expected his visit this time would further elevate the overall development of neighborly cooperation and mutual trust between the two countries.

　Li and his wife Zhu Lin were greeted by Thai National Assembly President Uthai and other high-level parliamentary and government officials.During his visit, Li will meet Thai leaders, including King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit Kitiyakorn, National Assembly President Uthai, National Assembly Vice President and Senate Speaker Manoonkrit Roopkachorn, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinwatra, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Chavalit Yoongchaiyudh, and Deputy Prime Minister Korn Dabbarabsi.(SD-Xinhua)